PUBLIUS

RUPILIUS  , Roman statesman, consul in 132 . B.C . During the inquiry that followed the death of Tiberius Gracchus, conducted by himself and his colleague Popillius Laenas, he proceeded with the utmost severity against the supporters of Gracchus . In the same year he was despatched to Sicily, where he suppressed the revolt of the slaves under Eunus . During 131 he remained as proconsul of the island, and, with the assistance of ten commissioners•appointed by the senate, drew up regulations for the organization of Sicily as a province . These regulations were known by the title of. leges Rupiliae, though they were not laws in the strict sense . Rupilius was subsequently brought to trial (123 B.C.) and condemned for his treatment of the friends of Gracchus . The disgrace of his condemnation, added to disappointment at the failure of his brother to obtain the consulship in spite of the efforts of Scipio, caused his death shortly afterwards . See Cicero, De Am . 19, Tusc. disp. iv . 17, in Veer. ii . 13, 15; Diod .

Sic. xxxiv . 1, 20; Vell . Pat. ii . 7 .